Release Detail

June 18, 2003 - McGreevey Approval Drops To Lowest Point Ever,
Quinnipiac University Poll Finds;
But State Legislature Also Takes A Hit In New Jersey

New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey has a negative 35 - 47 percent overall approval rating
from voters, the lowest for a Garden State Governor in seven years, according to a
Quinnipiac University poll released today.

Voters give the State Legislature a negative 30 - 46 percent approval, a big drop from
the 38 - 39 percent split in the April 2 poll.

"Gov. McGreevey's approval number has hit a new low and more New Jersey voters
than ever disapprove of how he is doing his job. That's not surprising since nothing has
changed in the state budget crisis; the most popular programs still face major cutbacks;
more negative stories emerge about McGreevey aides, and the Governor is squabbling with
the gambling industry. Only one in four voters want to see him re-elected and only 40
percent of the members of his own Democratic Party are in his corner," said Clay F.
Richards, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.

"If it is any consolation for the Governor, the approval rating of the State
Legislature is lower than his, and has fallen further since April. The voters know the
Legislature shares the blame for not finding a budget solution," Richards added.

"Much of what's going on in New Jersey reflects the climate of the times.
Governors everywhere in the nation are battling low approval numbers while trying to
manage huge budget deficits.

Only 24 percent of New Jersey voters, including 40 percent of Democrats want to
see McGreevey elected to a second term, while 56 percent want a new governor.

The Governor gets negative approval ratings for handling key issues:

30 - 56 percent for the state budget;

39 - 46 percent for education;

31 - 57 percent for the economy and jobs;

23 - 63 percent for car insurance;

23 - 52 percent for appointments to high level positions.

McGreevey's only positive measure is that voters say 46 - 40 percent that he is
honest and trustworthy. He gets negative scores on other character traits, including:

41 - 48 percent that he has strong leadership qualities;

40 - 49 percent that he cares about voter needs and problems;

34 - 54 percent that he has given New Jersey a government to be proud of.

From June 11 - 16, Quinnipiac University surveyed 815 New Jersey registered
voters, with a margin of error of +/- 3.4 percent.

The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., conducts
public opinion surveys in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and
nationally as a public service and for research.